The Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference (AEGC2025) brings together global leaders and innovators across exploration, energy, geophysics and sustainability.

Under the theme Exploring innovation for a sustainable future, AEGC2025 will present the latest technical insights and practical applications shaping the resources industry now and into the future.

With the event just weeks away, there’s still an opportunity to register across multiple categories, including student, member and day passes, making it accessible for professionals at all stages of their careers.

• • Conference Registration https://2025.aegc.com.au/registration/
  • Download the PDF Program https://2025.aegc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/250821_AEGC-2025-Program-Outline.pdf
  • AEGC Networking Breakfast – Direct Booking Link: https://2025.aegc.com.au/networking-breakfast/

Program snapshot:

• September 8: Registration, exhibitor move-in and welcome reception
• September 9 – 11: Full technical program, keynote and plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, plus networking and social events

Program highlights include:

• Globally recognised keynote and plenary speakers such as BHP (ASX: BHP) principal geoscientist Dr Cam McCuaig, Western Mining Services principal Dr Jon Hronsky OAM and Chevron lower carbon geology advisor Ms. Ishtar Barranco, alongside more than 20 other influential geoscience experts.
• Deep-dive technical sessions covering mineral exploration case studies, basin evolution, geophysics across multiple industries, carbon storage, critical minerals and machine learning in geoscience.
• Oral and poster presentations from leading researchers and industry professionals worldwide, offering cutting-edge perspectives on seismic processing, greenfield exploration and the energy transition.
• A dedicated Poster Happy Hour (September 9), designed to encourage informal discussion and collaboration.

Professional development opportunities
AEGC2025 goes beyond the main program, offering a series of short courses and field trips for participants looking to expand their expertise in areas such as:

• Petrophysics for geoscientists
• Seismic interpretation for mineral exploration
• Geostatistics and resource estimation
• Machine learning applications in geoscience
• Near surface geophysics and energy transition

Networking and industry connections
Delegates can look forward to a variety of networking opportunities including:

• Welcome reception
• AEGC networking breakfast and panel — What We Miss When We Don’t Look Deeper? Exploring Bias in Data, AI and Humans — facilitated by Elemental Insight director Dr Heidi Pass and joined by WA Data Science Innovation Hub director Alex Jenkins and Ms. Ishtar Barranco.
• Poster happy hour sessions
• Official conference dinner
• Dedicated early-career geoscientist events

AEGC2025 is a joint initiative of ASEG, PESA and AIG, designed to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration between geoscientists, researchers and industry leaders globally.

For more details and to view the full program, visit www.2025.aegc.com.au

To register for this event, please visit https://2025.aegc.com.au/registration/

The post AEGC2025 program and keynotes announced appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

Stanmore Resources (ASX: SMR) is building momentum on its path to growth with the acquisition of the outstanding 50%-stake in the Eagle Downs project in August of 2024.

The company has achieved this while ensuring constant production from its other Queensland operational assets, Isaac Plains, South Walker Creek and Poitrel.

Ongoing exploration is being undertaken to see the potential development of the Isaac South project, including the expansion of the project ground into the adjacent Moranbah South Project of Anglo American.

The Australian Mining Review speaks with Stanmore Resources chief executive Marcelo Matos to get the full picture of the company’s acquisition and growth strategy as we move into 2025.

AMR: What is motivating the surge of acquisitions this year, particularly the Eagle Downs and Isaac South acquisitions?

MM: Stanmore’s track record of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in recent years has shown that we are always willing to look at opportunities that are aligned to our portfolio and strategy to grow and maintain our position as a leading metallurgical coal producer.

Through the development of the Isaac Plains Complex since 2015 and the transformational acquisition of BMC in 2022, Stanmore has not only established a strong base of high-quality operating assets but has solidified a unique infrastructure position that provides the potential to support our ambitious growth plans.

The low upfront-cost acquisitions of Eagle Downs and the Designated Area Agreement to support Isaac South (which we have since renamed to the Isaac Downs Extension) are complementary to this unique position and give Stanmore a competitive advantage in their potential development.

For Eagle Downs, the neighbouring processing and infrastructure capacity that could be available between the Isaac Plains Complex and Poitrel provide Stanmore with alternative pathways to development compared to previous owners.

This is notwithstanding the stand-alone quality of Eagle Downs, which if developed, will become a flagship underground project for Stanmore, adding capacity for high quality premium hard coking coals that are becoming increasingly scarce to end users.

Meanwhile, the Designated Area Agreement to support the Isaac Downs Extension was a transaction that only made sense for Stanmore, providing an economically viable development pathway whilst providing life-extension and infrastructure capacity utilisation for the Isaac Plains Complex overall.

How do these acquisitions support future growth and development?

MM: Both projects provide the potential for Stanmore to solidify its production profile for many years to come and maintain our position as a leading metallurgical coal producer.

The development of Eagle Downs could see incremental production of 4-6mtpa over a life of mine of 40+ years — which would significantly enhance the capacity and longevity of our overall portfolio and also be a long-term replacement for our Poitrel volumes given Poitrel’s shorter mine life around the mid-2030s.

Meanwhile, the Isaac Downs Extension, supported by the Designated Area Agreement at the neighbouring Moranbah South tenure could provide another 10-15 years of production at a similar scale to existing operations at Isaac Downs.

How is Stanmore balancing acquisitions with development of existing projects?

MM: Since Stanmore’s acquisition of BMC in 2022, there has been a surge in M&A activity for existing operating assets including the divestment of some or all the coal portfolios by major diversified miners, such as BMA’s sale of Daunia and Blackwater announced in 2023, and more recently Anglo American’s sale of their steel-making coal business in Australia in November 2024.

The value received by vendors has been increasing incrementally over this busy period, as a structural shift in long term metallurgical coal prices is expected due to tighter prospects for supply of metallurgical coal driven by the increasing challenges in the ramp-up of new projects, resulting in high demand and higher valuations of quality operating assets.

Stanmore has been seeking to balance this trade-off by transacting on development projects that make strategic sense and provide a logical and streamlined development pathway, but also actively looking for acquisitions of operating assets and portfolio adjustments that offer an attractive value proposition.

This is true for the Eagle Downs acquisition and the Designated Area Agreement for the Issac Downs Extension but has also been true for our divestment of the southern portion of Wards Well, which allowed Stanmore to realise significant value upfront whilst transferring the asset to a party for which it is strategically aligned.

How do these two strategies support each other?

MM: As development projects typically take a couple of years (or more where approvals are required) to achieve full scale production, these projects allow us the ability to time their commencement with the depletion and scaling back of our existing operating assets, meaning these assets can ensure Stanmore has a steady and sustainable level of production for many years to come.

Acquisitions of existing operating assets is the quickest and simplest way to achieve overnight growth in production, however that needs to be assessed based on the quality of those assets and the returns expected to be generated for our shareholders, while for development projects we also need to consider within the context of funding and approvals challenges to get development projects off the ground.

Stanmore is proactive in pursuing either strategy, ensuring that any transaction is strategically aligned and does not compromise our strong position currently provided by our existing operating base.

What major successes have you seen at Isaac Plains, South Walker Creek and Poitrel recently?

MM: There have been numerous successes at all operations, with the Isaac Plains Complex and South Walker Creek setting all time saleable coal production in 2023, and Poitrel set for a very strong 2024 after an all-time quarterly production record in the September quarter.

We are very pleased with how our operations have been performing in recent years, capitalising on strong market conditions, and importantly providing strong cash flows to support our significant self-funded capital investment program.

We are reinvesting more than $600million back into our assets over a three-year period from mid-2022 and includes large scale and complex projects such as the 8.5km MRA2C creek diversion and CHPP expansion at South Walker Creek and Ramp-10 box-cut at Poitrel.

These projects will deliver significant value to our core operating base and solidify their position as cost competitive, high-quality assets.

What is the development potential for Isaac South?

MM: The Isaac Downs Extension (formerly known as Isaac South) project has become the top priority for Stanmore, given it represents a capital efficient pathway to provide production longevity and capacity utilisation at the Isaac Plains Complex overall when mining at the existing Isaac Downs operation becomes economically challenged by increased strip ratios and seam splits.

As the tenure is currently at the exploration permit stage, the largest hurdle to progressing development is obtaining the required mining approvals – a process we believe could take a minimum of 2-3 years.

Nonetheless, we have confidence in the team given our recent track record of obtaining similar approvals for the current Isaac Downs mine in recent years, and our credentials as responsible and reputable operators.

The post Stanmore’s portfolio surges appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

Mining giant Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has been actively expanding its West Angelas iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of WA for more than 10 years.

The company is continuing this momentum after receiving approval for a $579m expansion project from the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) back in 2019.

Of course, that approval was subject to conditions including the protection of national park water resources and threatened ghost bats.

The initiative of the expansion was aimed at increasing the mine’s production capacity from 29mtpa to 35mtpa and extend the mine’s life by about 13 years.

The mine was built 20 years ago and was considered ‘a new breed’ of iron ore mine at the time.

The expansion involved developing new pits, particularly Deposits C and D and enhancing existing infrastructure to support increased production.

Contracts were awarded to various firms for engineering, procurement and construction management, with significant fabrication and modularisation work carried out to facilitate the expansion.

Operations cut

In recent developments, Rio Tinto has been adjusting its operations at West Angelas. In late 2024, the company reduced its workforce at the mine by about 40 operational roles, a move that was part of an effort to align the workforce with ongoing operational requirements.

Rio Tinto hadn’t confirmed the number of exact job losses, but the company is still making large profits shipping its product overseas, with cutbacks to the workforce considered rare.

Blended family

The company is leveraging its long-standing partnerships to achieve record results.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott says China has been a critical partner for the company and for Australia’s mining industry for more than five decades.

“China’s strong demand for high-quality minerals such as iron ore has generated substantial opportunities for investment and trade between the two countries,” he said.

In 1987, Rio Tinto partnered with China for the country’s first ever investment in a foreign mining project and its largest ever foreign investment at the time, by forming the Channar joint venture in a move to address the declining iron content from aging WA mines and meet market demands for higher-grade ore.

In July 2024, the partnership saw Rio Tinto celebrate the shipment of 4bt of iron ore from the Pilbara to China Baowu Steel Group – the world’s top steel producer. About 250mtpa of iron ore is shipped to China alone, making the country Rio Tinto’s largest customer.

Rhodes Ridge

In December 2023, Rio Tinto approved a $110m (USD$77m) pre-feasibility study (PFS) to progress development of the Rhodes Ridge project, an undeveloped iron ore deposit in the East Pilbara.

The PFS is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and will be followed by a feasibility study.

First ore from the initial development is expected by the end of this decade.

Last year, Rio Tinto (50%) and Wright Prospecting (50%) agreed to modernise the joint venture covering the Rhodes Ridge project, located 40km north-west of Newman.

Rhodes Ridge contains 6.8bt of mineral resources at an average grade of 61.6% iron, including 5.3bt at 62.2% iron and 0.6bt at 63.9% iron.

Mr Trott says the size and quality of the resource base at Rhodes Ridge has the potential to underpin Rio Tinto’s iron ore business in the Pilbara for decades to come.

“Longer term, the resource could support a world-class mining hub with a potential capacity of more than 100mt of high-quality iron ore a year,” he said.

Exciting times lie ahead for Rio Tinto this year.

The post Rio Tinto rooted in the Pilbara appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

The Bengalla coal mine in NSW is geared up for a strong 2025 after a lift in coal production last year and key milestones for its Bengalla Growth Project being met ahead of schedule.

The Bengalla Mining Company produced saleable coal production of 8mt during FY24, which represents an 11% increase from the prior year.

Despite minor disruptions caused by rail cancellations and adverse weather conditions late in FY24, the company continued to achieve productivity gains, with elevated inventory levels and higher overburden removal in the latter months of the year providing a solid production runway to the start of FY25, with coal sales for the first quarter 21% higher than the previous quarter.

Bengalla achieved the primary goals of the Bengalla Growth Project ahead of schedule in FY24, including increased run of mine coal production capacity to a 13.4mtpa run rate on a 100% basis and increased washery throughput following the tailings capacity upgrade.

The Bengalla mining company is majority owned by New Hope Group (ASX: NHC) which also operates the New Acland coal mine in Queensland’s Surat Basin.

Strong results at Bengalla coal and the restart of production at New Acland Mine saw a total of 9.1mt of saleable coal production during FY24, a 26% increase on the previous year.

The increase represents the dedicated and consistent execution of New Hope Group’s targeted organic growth plans and illustrates the potential for increased production in future financial years.

Speaking exclusively to the Australian Mining Review, New Hope Group chief executive Rob Bishop believes the demand for thermal coal will remain strong for the company in part due to an underinvestment in new projects but also due an increased appetite in regions such as Asia.

“New Hope Group is confident the demand for thermal coal will be sustained even as the world transitions its energy mix,” he said.

“As governments around the world aim to decarbonise, we believe the demand outlook for high-energy thermal coal produced from low-cost Australian operations will remain consistent.

“While the current demand in existing markets in North Asia looks set to persist, we expect longer-term demand will be supported by markets in Southern Asia, as populations and energy demand electricity use per capita grow and develop.

“This demand outlook, coupled with a supply shortfall due to chronic underinvestment in new projects and the ageing of existing thermal coal assets, is expected to result in thermal coal pricing remaining above historical averages over the medium to long term.

“This indicates a positive outlook to continue responsibly operating our low-cost, high-quality assets and therefore continuing to provide our customers with a reliable source of energy.”

Operation

The Bengalla coal mine is an open cut operation located about four kilometres south-west of Muswellbrook, in NSW’s famous Hunter Valley region.

Bengalla produces high calorific-value energy coal from the Sydney Basin and mines the Whittingham Coal Measures of the Hunter Coalfields.

It operates continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, producing up to 15mt of run-of-mine (ROM) coal annually, with approval to continue this output until 2039.

After the washing and sorting process, coal is loaded onto trains and transported to the Port of Newcastle where it is shipped to customers across Asia including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China and India as well as some domestic customers.

In 2022, the Bengalla Growth Project kicked off with the goal to increase production capacity from 12.5mt to 13.4mt ROM coal per year, which it achieved in FY24.

Costing $400m, the project included purchasing additional plant and machinery, including seven new Hitachi EH5000 trucks, a Liebherr R9800 excavator, a Cat MD6250 drill, additional dozers, a grader and a watercart.

The coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) was upgraded to both increase throughput and lift product quality in line with demand for higher quality coal from customers.

In the longer-term, upgrades to the raw coal reclaim circuit will be introduced to keep up with the upgraded plant.

The growth project also required additional people onsite for construction and ongoing operations, as well as a reconfiguration of the infrastructure area as the pit shell progresses through the existing facilities.

With the expectation of long-term personnel increase and pit progression, infrastructure has been expanded at the facility to including additional carparking, administration and bathhouse buildings, as well as warehousing and maintenance facilities.

The site has been operational since 1999 and boasts more than 600 permanent employees, most of whom reside in local areas such as Muswellbrook, the Upper Hunter and Singleton Shires.

New Hope Group acquired 40% of Bengalla 2016, before acquiring an 80% controlling interest in 2018. The remaining 20% is owned by Taiwan based Taipower.

Bengalla employee accolade

In February 2024, Bengalla employee Sara Spokes was named as a NSW Women in Mining Awards finalist in the Exceptional Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician category.

The NSW Women in Mining Awards recognise and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women and gender diversity champions across the state’s resources sector.

Sara’s journey in the mining industry began with a high school mine tour, which sparked a fascination with the sector’s scale and machinery.

She completed a Certificate III in Surface Extraction through a traineeship with industry leader Workpac, winning the ‘Trainee of the Year Award for Mining’ as well as a high commendation in the NSW Training Awards Hunter Region.

Her comprehensive skill set was gained during her five years in mining, when she became proficient working with a range of heavy machinery and became a crucial member of the Bengalla Mines Rescue Team, which she captained to victory in the 2023 Hunter Valley Mines Rescue competition.

Sara also initiated a support group for female operators, fostering a collaborative environment for women to grow professionally.

Her dedication to continuous learning remains on pace as she progresses towards an open cut examiner role at the site.

She also has a strong commitment to community involvement, which is evident in her active participation in local sports and as a trooper in the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers.

Future forecasts

In 2024, New Hope reported its third highest earnings, with a net profit after tax of $475.9m and underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation of $859.9m, supported by robust thermal coal prices and strong operational performance at Bengalla and New Acland Mines.

Speaking to shareholders at the company’s AGM in Muswellbrook in November, chairman Robert Millner AO elaborated on New Hope’s financial position and future forecasts.

“Following the successful issue of $300m senior unsecured convertible notes, the company ended the financial year with available cash of $824.5m,” he said.

“The backdrop of this result is a robust thermal coal price environment, with pricing remaining well above historical long-term averages after retreating from record highs in recent years.

“This enabled our quality assets to generate outsized returns. Alongside strong pricing, a consistent operational performance at Bengalla Mine and the restart of operations at New Acland Mine resulted in increased coal production providing greater energy security to our customers and the regions they service.

“We believe the company will continue to deliver value to shareholders because its low-cost, high-quality operations, and low-risk organic growth pipeline, position it well to take advantage of the positive outlook for the thermal coal sector.

“Bengalla Mine had another year of consistent operational performance and began to realise productivity benefits from the 13.4mtpa Growth Project and…the team is continuing its proud history of making a positive contribution to the Upper Hunter, and I was pleased to see that impact and those connections, alongside some of my fellow Directors, at the recent Bengalla Community Open Day.”

The post Bengalla mine drives record earnings for New Hope appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

Black Cat Syndicate Limited (ASX: BC8) has swiftly emerged as a dynamic force in WA’s gold mining sector. Since its 2018 listing, the company has strategically acquired and developed high-grade gold projects. It has a market capitalisation of $359m and is well on the way to positioning itself as a significant player in the industry.

Strategic acquisitions and project portfolio

In mid-2022, Black Cat Syndicate acquired two key assets from Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST): the Paulsens Gold Operation in the East Pilbara and the Coyote Gold Operation in the Tanami region.

These acquisitions, along with the Kal East Gold Project in the Eastern Goldfields, have expanded the company’s resource base to more than 2.5moz of gold across about 4,890km² of tenements.

Paulsens Gold Operation: a golden milestone

The Paulsens Gold Operation, situated about 180km west of Paraburdoo in WA, has been a focal point for Black Cat. The company started commissioning of the refurbished processing plant in late 2024, achieving its first gravity gold pour on December 22, 2024.

This milestone was accomplished safely, on schedule, and within budget, marking a significant achievement for Black Cat. In a statement dated December 23, 2024, Black Cat’s managing director Gareth Solly comments on the milestone.

“Our Paulsens team combined with Maca Interquip should be immensely proud that they have successfully achieved our targes and poured first gold safely, on time and within budget,” he said.

“This is the perfect time to become a gold producer and we are looking forward to targeting about 100koz from our operations by the end of 2025.”

The Paulsens Gold Operation comprises an underground mine, a 450,000tpa processing facility, 128-person camp, and numerous potential open pits and other related infrastructure.

The ball mill commissioning began on December 16, 2024, and carbon stripping was expected to start in January 2025. Black Cat aims to produce about 100,000 ounces of gold by the end of 2025 — exciting times lie ahead.

Coyote Gold Operation: unlocking potential

The Coyote Gold Operation, situated in the Tanami gold region, is known for hosting several multimillion-ounce gold deposits.

Black Cat’s focus here includes expanding the mining inventory to support a low-capital restart of operations.

The company has been actively exploring and developing this project to unlock its full potential with preliminary studies identifying opportunities for both an open pit cutback and subsequent underground operation.

The operation has all the infrastructure required to restart operations, including a 300ktpa processing plant, 180+ person camp, and all associated supporting infrastructure.

Kal East Gold Project: future prospects

The Kal East Gold Project, located east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, has a completed pre-feasibility study indicating a viable, longer-term development option.

Black Cat is strategising to accelerate and expand gold production at Kal East, with plans to increase processing capacity from 0.8mtpa to 1.2-1.5mtpa.

Engineering studies for facility expansion are underway, and mining studies are being optimised to reflect the current gold price environment.

Drilling for additional feed is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with the goal of having an operational processing facility by early 2026.

Future outlook

With the successful re-start of operations at Paulsens and ongoing developments at Coyote and Kal East, Black Cat Syndicate is well-positioned for a prosperous future.

The company’s strategic approach to resource growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion underscores its potential to become a leading gold producer in WA.

Investors and stakeholders can anticipate continued progress as Black Cat Syndicate advances its projects, aiming to achieve sustainable operations and deliver value across all facets of its business.

The post Australian gold’s cat-like reflexes appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

Since 2024, Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) has had its sights set on meeting surging global demand for rare earths, by advancing its $500m Mt Weld Expansion Project in WA’s Goldfields.

The Mt Weld rare earths deposit sits in a two-billion-year-old volcanic plug and is considered one of the world’s most valuable rare earths deposits because of its high grade and predicted long life, containing both light and heavy rare earth elements.

Back in August 2022, Lynas announced a $500m capacity expansion project at the mine and concentration plant — global demand for rare earth materials and neodymium magnets had been accelerating, with neodymium magnet demand forecast to grow from 130,000t of neodymium magnets consumed in 2020 to 265,000t in 2030, driven by the sheer growth of electric vehicles and wind energy.

2024 Success

Lynas Rare Earths, in August 2024, reported a 92% increase in mineral resources at the deposit and at that time last year, the mineral resource estimate (MRE) sat at 106.6mt at an average grade of 4.12% total rare earth oxide (TREO) for a total of 4.39mt of contained TREO.

That MRE increase followed 84,000m being drilled between 2018 and 2024.

The company also recorded a 63% increase in ore reserves, with ore reserves sitting at 32mt at 6.44% TREO, which also included a 92% increase in contained dysprosium oxide, with all heavy rare earth element grades including terbium oxide included.

During that time, those upgrades supported a 20-year mine life at 12,000tpa of neodymium and praseodymium oxide production capacity.

The expansion project

The project is designed for sustainability and efficiency, featuring state-of-the-art water recycling systems, advanced processing equipment, and plans to transition to renewable energy.

Lynas Rare Earths chief executive Amanda Lacaze emphasises the strategic importance of the Mt Weld resource, describing it as a “foundation for success” in the rapidly evolving rare earths market. Backed by cutting-edge exploration efforts and collaborations with global and local experts, Lynas has since been poised to capitalise on Mt Weld’s long-term potential.

This expansion reflects Lynas’ commitment to securing Australia’s role in the global energy transition while supporting regional economic development. The

project’s completion in 2024 will mark a milestone in meeting the world’s growing appetite for sustainable, high-grade rare earth materials.

The last quarter

In the company’s October 2024 Quarterly Statement, Lynas Rare Earths reported that mining at Mt Weld continued during the quarter with the removal of overburden waste and the Mt Weld team continued to deliver efficient concentrate production levels to supply both Lynas Malaysia and Lynas’ Kalgoorlie Facility.

They also reported that Stage 1 of the Mt Weld Expansion Project, the new concentrate dewatering circuit transitioned to operations during the quarter, marking a significant milestone. The circuit delivers a target filter cake moisture content, which is lower than the existing filter circuit, providing an operating benefit for the business.

Construction of Mt Weld Expansion Project Stage 2 (Balance of Plant) was progressing as planned, with good progress on the grinding and flotation circuits. It was then forecast that Stage 2 would be complete by the end of FY25 and would be progressively commissioned.

Up and coming

The Mt Weld Expansion Project is a testament to Lynas Rare Earths’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in the face of global demand for critical minerals. With its strategic investment in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, the company is poised to cement its position as a leader in the rare earths market while advancing Australia’s standing as a critical supplier to renewable energy and high-tech industries.

As 2024 progresses, Lynas’ ambitious plans appear well-aligned with market needs, showcasing a balance of operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.

This expansion not only secures the company’s growth trajectory but also demonstrates its pivotal role in the global shift towards sustainable and green technologies.

The future looks bright for Lynas and the Mt Weld operation.

The post Lynas lines up Mt Weld evolution appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

As the demand for battery minerals remains high, IGO (ASX: IGO) continues to make strides in its quest to discover, develop and deliver products critical to a clean energy future. Whether it’s the electrification of transport, energy storage, or renewable energy generation, IGO is investing in its mining assets to meet the world’s appetite for critical minerals.

The Nova Operation is the cornerstone of IGO’s clean energy transition. Situated in WA’s Fraser Range, about 360km southeast of Kalgoorlie, the deposit reflects the company’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and low-impact mining practices.

Since reaching nameplate production in December 2017, Nova has continued to punch above its weight. Although it achieved a strong total production of 20,806t of nickel, 9,922t of copper and 735t of cobalt in FY24, it’s the investment in sustainability that has put the deposit on the world map.

The FY24 period saw IGO further progress its transition into a significant explorer and producer of the metals and minerals required for the expanding clean energy industry, such as the electric vehicle and energy storage markets.

Sustainability in the spotlight

From solar farms and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to electric vehicle technology, Nova continues to explore new ways to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment and local communities. These initiatives are critical in IGO’s pursuit to achieve its Scope 1 and 2 net zero emissions targets by FY25 at Nova despite the limited remaining mine life.

Following the completion of the solar farm expansion project at Nova in FY24, it’s now one of the first mining operations to achieve ‘engines off’. It operates on solar power without generators for up to nine hours in the spring and summer months, reducing its diesel use and GHG emissions. This 10MW solar farm consists of a 10MW /12MWh BESS and synchronous condensers, which complement the existing 5.5MW solar farm.

Underground battery electric vehicle trials have also been conducted at the Nova Operation, including the Zero light vehicle and Volvo battery electric integrated tool carrier. The mine also commissioned a Sandvik all-electric blast hole drill.

Two active BESS trials are also currently underway at Nova — BASF sodium sulphur battery and VSUN vanadium redox flow battery. These trials aim to build market confidence around the application of these battery technologies and how mining operations can potentially reduce their reliance on diesel and therefore lower GHG emissions.

The BASF sodium sulphur battery is Australia’s first NaS long-duration battery used to field test the suitability of this technology in a mining environment. This 250kW/1.45 MWh BESS unit is designed to provide long-duration storage and also offer vital insights into battery degradation and efficiency.

Separately, the VSUN vanadium redox flow battery, a standalone power system, integrates a solar array installation and a 300kWh battery. As part of the trial, it’s being utilised to power a bore pump with a target of 100% renewable energy use. Learnings from the trial will allow IGO to review the power source options for any future remote diesel replacements, such as bore field extensions.

In FY24, IGO reported its decarbonisation projects delivered emissions savings of 20.5% at the Nova Operation compared to their 2019 baseline. The company’s continued investment in emerging technologies and R&D, including piloting battery storage solutions and electric vehicles, are proving vital components of IGO’s roadmap to net zero mines of the future.

Keeping it local

IGO is committed to engaging and building long-term relationships with businesses in the local communities where we operate. This vision is brought to life at the Nova Operation through a strategic focus on increasing local procurement and engagement.

The commercial and purchasing teams at Nova have developed specific spend and engagement targets to achieve increased local spend. Achieving these targets has seen the implementation of a policy that prioritises suppliers from targeted local areas and links these directly to the purchasing team’s performance measures.

This has involved engaging directly with local suppliers to better understand the capabilities and challenges they face across multiple categories. To bridge this gap, smaller, tailored procurement packages were introduced that aligned with the capabilities of the local vendors.

Additionally, the team addressed logistical barriers by establishing a local transportation agreement, an initiative that has created a level playing field for local suppliers. This enables them to compete with larger vendors from Perth who benefit from well-established freight routes to the Nova site.

These efforts have already yielded significant results. Several local businesses have successfully joined IGO’s roster of preferred suppliers, strengthening the economic fabric of the region, while ensuring Nova’s supply chain remains robust and efficient.

The Nova Operation also relies on a combination of local and FIFO workforce arrangements, which enables IGO to access a diverse talent pool while contributing to regional employment. Whether it’s qualified maintenance technicians or mine control operators, IGO is committed to workforce development and operational excellence.

By fostering a balanced workforce strategy, the company supports local communities and ensures that its operations benefit from a skilled and adaptable team, capable of meeting the evolving demands of its own mining assets and the broader industry.

Future outlook

In support of IGO’s sustainability roadmap, there are several key initiatives planned for the FY25 period. This includes the delivery of the Nova Operation’s FY25 net zero targets through continued emission reduction projects and the surrender of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

IGO will be further embedding internal carbon pricing (ICP) into all project assessments and continuing to use the ICP and associated decarbonisation fund to drive investment in emission reduction projects. Carbon pricing will continue to be used as a tool to understand future carbon liability and be considered among key decision-making criteria.

Collaboration with lithium JV partners will also be a focus, ensuring knowledge sharing, understanding of climate risks and opportunities and building relationships to accelerate IGO’s response to climate change.

Nova exemplifies IGO’s dedication to sustainable, low-impact mining practices. Through strategic growth initiatives, focused exploration and a commitment to workforce development, IGO is well-positioned to continue contributing to the global clean energy transition while maintaining its responsibilities to the environment and local communities.

The post Nova sets its sights on sustainability appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

Jimblebar is a key component of BHP’s (ASX: BHP) WA iron ore (WAIO) operations, an integrated system of four processing hubs and five open-cut mines in the Pilbara region connected by more than 1,000km of rail infrastructure and port facilities.

The operation iron ore mine located 40km east of Newman is part of an 85:15 joint venture between BHP and Mitsui and ITOCHU. The operation is regarded as reliable and dependable by BHP, as it continues to demonstrate its strengths across performance, productivity and innovation.

In FY24, WAIO posted record production of 255mt (BHP share) with Jimblebar contributing a whopping 73,111t, up from 66,801t the year prior. In addition to posting large numbers, Jimblebar also delivered a favourable product mix, driving an increase in ore demand leading to increased portside sales to China.

BHP expects FY25 production to be in the range of 255mt to 265.5mt, with Jimblebar contributing heavily to this goal.

But there’s much more to Jimblebar than just ore, it’s also a shining example of how the WAIO system can advance into the future through strategic partnerships and a dedication to progressive success.

Jimblebar expansion

Jimblebar currently employs about 800 permanent workers, but a planned expansion for the mine will likely need an increased workforce over the development period.

The Jimblebar optimisation project is currently being assessed by the EPA. The proposed project concerns the expansion and amalgamation of existing operations at Jimblebar iron ore revised proposal, orebody 18, and orebody 31.

The works would include new above and below water table mining, overburden storage areas, beneficiation plant, overland conveyor, creek diversions, haul and access roads, pipelines and associated infrastructure. A

ll mines and associated elements are proposed to be consolidated into the Jimblebar Hub Combined Proposal.

Mining of iron ore deposits will be undertaken above and below the water table. Mining operations will include open pits, overburden storage areas and the construction and operation of associated mine, processing and rail infrastructure.

Beneficiation project

The Jimblebar beneficiation project is currently in the works. First initiated in CY21, the main construction and commissioning works are planned to begin in Q3 CY25 through to Q3 CY27.

The mission for the beneficiation project is dual-pronged — to lift ore quality while reducing carbon emissions to maximise asset value.

BHP intends to achieve this by integrating a deslime plant into the existing mine hub.

The project will deliver the first major wet processing facility for WAIO in four decades. Modification and construction of associated processing infrastructure will be undertaken, including transfer station modifications, conveyor systems, wet screens, desliming cyclones, belt filtration, tailings thickening and disposal, sample station, stockyard drainage, plant services, electrical and control services and non-process infrastructure.

Calibre, a member of WSP, was awarded the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services contract for the design phase study.

The project, valued at about $1b, is in line with BHP’s commitment to supporting its communities, as requirements relating to the engagement of local and Indigenous vendors will be included in the selection criteria.

Electrification trials with Cat

According to BHP, data and technology, including automation and artificial intelligence, are further unlocking growth opportunities and enhancing the company’s operating performance, enabling it to be safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

The rollout of BHP’s first fully autonomous haul truck fleet at Jimblebar was completed in 2017, resulting in reduced risk exposure to driving-related hazards, improved productivity and an opportunity for our workforce to gain new skills.

BHP is driving forward with this momentum. In September 2024, BHP was the first customer to announce plans to trial Caterpillar’s Cat® Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system on battery electric and diesel electric mining trucks at its sites.

The trials include validating the solution in the company’s iron ore and copper businesses, including CAT 793 fleet at Jimblebar and CAT 798 fleet at Escondida. The planned trials are the result of over two years of close collaboration between BHP and Caterpillar to find sustainable and viable energy transfer solutions.

The new technology from Caterpillar can transfer energy to both diesel electric and battery electric large mining trucks while they are working around a mine site. It can also charge an electric haul truck’s battery while the machine is on the move, and the system’s infrastructure is flexible, which allows it to be easily relocated when compared to current commercialised offerings, including large, fixed overhead trolleys.

The electrification of Jimblebar will help propel the company towards its vision of enabling zero-emissions mining truck deployment. According to BHP, the company’s biggest remaining source of operational GHG emissions is diesel.

Projects like this will continue to play an essential part of BHP’s goal of net-zero operational emissions by 2050. At Jimblebar and Newman, truck automation has resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in heavy vehicle safety risks.

NRW contract

In another powerful partnership NRW Civil & Mining was awarded a development contract for the Jimblebar mine.

The scope of the contract includes various civil, building, mechanical and electrical works to support sustainable production at Jimblebar.

The project will include bulk earthworks and covers the construction of several permanent facilities.

The contract also includes the construction of a new floodway and an LV access road

complete with heavy and light vehicle standpipes and washdown facility. Additionally,

the contract requires a HDPE pipeline re-alignment and installation of a 33kV

overhead powerline.

The contract is valued at approximately $109m and was set to commence in November 2024. The project is scheduled for completion in Q2 2026 and will employ a team of up to 120 personnel and 55 items of plant and equipment.

The post Jimblebar: star of the WAIO constellation appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

The Year of the Wood Dragon is particularly auspicious for Yancoal (ASX: YAL) as it celebrates 20 years of operation in Australia in 2024.

What started as a single mine operation in 2004 has now grown into one of country’s largest coal producers and exporters in the country.

Its majority shareholder, China-based Yankuang Energy Group, is pleased with what the company has achieved in two decades.

Yancoal Australia chairman Gang Ru says the company has established itself as a world-class coal mining business in Australia.

“[We have] transformed challenges into opportunities and achieved extraordinary results.”

The coal miner turned things around in the few short years since COVID-19 lockdowns began in early 2020.

By the end of 2023, Yancoal was achieving production levels not experienced since 2020.

Run of mine (ROM) production achieved was 60.2mt on a 100% basis.

Yancoal Australia chief executive David Moult says the company survived several challenging years.

“In many ways, 2023 represented a return to ‘business as usual’ for Yancoal, having ably navigated unprecedented wet weather, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain interruptions and labour availability over the past few years,” he said.

“Over the course of 2023, our workforce worked together in the relentless pursuit of our goals to increase production and control costs – objectives we successfully achieved.

“While our mines across NSW and Queensland again started the year with high water storage levels, our previous investments in dewatering equipment and additional water storage dams allowed us to implement recovery plans and to focus on rebuilding mining inventory.

“We prioritised recovery works in the early part of the year on pre-strip and overburden removal, as well as rebuilding of overburden blasted inventory, in order to expose in-pit coal and ROM coal inventories.

“This allowed us to build operational momentum, and a gradual and sustained improvement in productivity was experienced over each quarter during the year.”
Yancoal Australia knows how to get on with the job of being a reliable source of energy and resources.

Its overwhelming drive to power communities around the world has seen the company establish itself as a world-class mining enterprise, providing a mix of high-quality thermal and metallurgical coal to its global customers.

According to latest figures from 2023, the lion’s share of Yancoal Australia’s customers are based in East Asia, with Japan and China taking up a good chunk at 50%, followed by Taiwan at 19% and South Korea at 15%.

Yancoal Australia’s diversified international customer base broadened in 2023 with the company selling coal into 14 markets, including a notable uplift in sales to China that year.

Across NSW, Queensland and WA, the company employs around 6000 people in what Mr Ru calls “a unique workforce with mix of Chinese and Australian cultures”.

“This has benefited both our shareholders and the communities in which we operate,” he said.

The resilience that the company builds in local communities is mirrored in the way it works with regulators for expansion and extension approvals of its operations.

In September 2024, the Federal Government made an announcement in favour of Yancoal’s Ashton underground coal mine extension.

Ashton currently employs a total of 366 staff, including contractors, and directly engages 467 suppliers and service businesses.

The mine also supports a further 1,850 indirect jobs, generating wages and salaries of $133m.

All are set to benefit from this announcement, with the extension allowing Ashton to continue contributing to local communities, especially in the Hunter Valley, and the NSW economy more broadly.

The approval notice said it would “conduct underground longwall mining of coal seams at the Ravensworth mine complex, develop associated infrastructure and transfer coal, water and gas to the Ashton coal project, in Ravensworth”.

Yancoal issued a statement saying it welcomed the decision following the company’s acquisition of adjacent and approved underground coal resources at Glencore’s Ravensworth underground mine in 2021.

“Under Glencore’s ownership, the Ravensworth underground mine had been in care and maintenance since 2014,” a Yancoal spokesperson said.

“Around 20mt of ROM semi-soft coking coal are approved for extraction at the Ravensworth underground mine but have remained unmined.”

“Accessing these unmined metallurgical (steel-making) coal resources could extend the life of Ashton by around seven years.”

“The Ashton and Ravensworth underground mines are located next to each other, and this extension to Asthon’s underground operations is a practical solution given proximity to the resource, and available equipment and infrastructure.”

“This is also an efficient and beneficial use of NSW resources and ensures continued employment and economic benefits for local and regional communities.”

“Key components of the existing approved underground operations at Ashton will remain unchanged, including: product type (metallurgical coal), the annual maximum coal production rate; coal processing limits; hours of operation; off-site transport; management of reject material; and general infrastructure.”

“In 2023, the Ashton underground mine, which has been in operation for 20 years, generated direct and indirect economic contributions of around $420m to state and regional economies.”

When asked about other development plans in the works, a Yancoal spokesperson says the company is focusing on organic growth over the long-term, particularly brownfield expansion and extension projects.

“The Group will continue to focus on exploration and potential expansion works across the tier one assets of Moolarben, Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) and the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO),” the company spokesperson said.

“At Moolarben, modifications to increase the coal wash plant production capacity to 16mtpa were completed and commissioned during 2023.”

“Also at Moolarben, the OC3 Extension Project proposes to extend open cut operations to the south and east of the existing OC3 mining area.”

“The extension project is an important growth project for Moolarben, which commenced operations in 2010 and has approval to mine until 2038.”

“The OC3 extension project is a logical extension of mining operations within existing mining tenements and company-owned freehold land, as well as having the benefit of using existing coal handling, processing and transport infrastructure.”

“The project would allow access to 30mt of ROM coal, with capital expenditure anticipated to be approximately $130m.”

“An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the OC3 extension project was lodged with the NSW Department of Planning in November 2022.”

“An Amendment Report and Submissions Report were submitted in March 2024 and the project is currently being assessed by the Department of Planning.”

The Yancoal spokesperson says the MTW underground mine concept remains subject to study and assessments, with the company continuing to progress its proposed HVO Continuation Project despite regulatory delays.

“The Continuation Project has now entered the fifth year of the approval process,” the company spokesperson said.”

“Unfortunately, the regulatory assessment process is taking longer than expected and there remains some uncertainty around the NSW Government approach on issues such as greenhouse gas emissions assessments and proper consideration of the Federal Safeguard Mechanism.”

“We will consider making amendments to our HVO Continuation Project application in response to feedback from the NSW Government, this may further push out the approval timeframe.”

“HVO is seeking a short-term extension of time from the NSW Government to allow ongoing mining within the currently approved area.”

“This will safeguard the jobs of our workforce and provide certainty to our contractors, local businesses and community partners across the region.”

Yancoal Australia has invested over $10b into Australian assets and developed a safe, profitable and sustainable business, but the company could not have reached its momentous 20-year pinnacle without first looking after its people and communities in which it operates.

“Supporting local communities in the regions where we operate is an important activity that Yancoal takes seriously,” the company spokesperson said.

“Yancoal’s Community Support Program (CSP) [includes] continued corporate-level sponsorships of the Clontarf Foundation, Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service and the Cancer and Ageing Project at the Queensland University of Technology.”

“The CSP element that is managed by sites contributed $0.8m across 154 organisations.”

“During 2023, we also commenced a process to assess implementing an appropriate framework so that Yancoal can continue to improve engagement with our indigenous stakeholders.”

The post From strength to strength: Yancoal celebrates 20 years in 2024 appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.

In the quiet, expansive land of central west NSW, Tomingley gold operations is gearing up for a golden transformation.

Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK), the company behind the mine’s driving force, is taking bold steps to secure its future through the ambitious Tomingley Gold Extension Project – a plan that promises to enhance efficiency, extend the mine’s life, and uncover even more untapped potential beneath the soil.

The extension was approved by the NSW Planning Minister on 21 February 2023, and Alkane has development consent until end-2032 – doubling the life of the mine until 2031 and producing an estimated 745,000oz of gold.

Extending operations

Alkane is extending mining operations at Tomingley to the San Antonio and Roswell (SAR) resources immediately south of the current mine.

This $30m+ project involves development of an underground mine at Roswell and one large open cut.

A new bypass section for Newell Highway is also being constructed as the SAR deposits are located underneath it and the existing Kyalite Road will be realigned as it runs through the proposed SAR open cut.

Overall, major works include the construction of three waste rock emplacements, a haulage road underpass beneath Newell Highway, a ROM pad, a processing plant, a crushing and grinding circuit, a carbon-in-leach processing plant, site offices and associated infrastructure.

These projects are expected to take between six to nine months and have been planned in close consultation with Transport for NSW as well as Narromine Shire Council, residents and road users.

The SAR open cut will combine the adjacent San Antonio and Roswell deposits with up to three sub pits, and the open cut will be mined in stages to minimise biodiversity disturbance and to also allow progressive rehabilitation.

It’s worth noting that the underground section at the Roswell deposit started in April 2024.

But the Tomingley Gold Extension Project is more than just a boost for the mine – it’s a lifeline for the local economy.

By expanding operations, Alkane Resources is ensuring the creation and preservation of jobs across the region, providing stability for workers and their families.

The ripple effect of this expansion strengthens the economic fabric of surrounding areas, fostering growth and resilience for years to come.

Processing plant

Significant upgrades are underway at the Tomingley processing plant to enhance its capacity, with modifications set to enable a maximum production rate of 1.75mtpa

Alongside these upgrades, the development of a state-of-the-art paste plant is progressing steadily, with the new facility supporting paste filling of the underground stopes at the Roswell deposit.

Additionally, the project includes planned wall-lifts on the second residue storage facility, designed to provide sufficient capacity for mine residue storage through to the end of 2032.

It has been reported that the upgrades will see an increase in processing recoveries of about 7% once commissioned.

Both the paste plant and the process plant remain on schedule to be commissioned in Q4 CY24.

Operations

Reported in its Quarterly Activities Report to 30 September 2024, Tomingley gold mine hit its quarterly targets with 18,418oz of gold produced and $62.3m in sales revenue at an impressive average price of $3,422/oz.

Operating cash flow reached $19.2m, supported by cash costs of $1,840/oz and an AISC of $2,182/oz.

FY25 guidance remains steady at 70,000–80,000oz, with higher AISC reflecting one-off costs for decline development.

Early grade reconciliations from the Roswell deposit have exceeded expectations, delivering a 14% positive variance, reinforcing confidence in the mine’s future performance.

Alkane managing director Nic Earner says that it is another quarter of solid production performance that has been leveraged by the strong gold price.

“We remain on track with our capital expansion work, with both the paste plant and processing upgrades scheduled for commissioning in the December quarter of 2024,” he said.

“We’ve passed the point of peak expenditure in the current phase of the Tomingley expansion as we look to continue to grow production through commissioning of the new plants.

“We will then be focusing on the Newell Highway diversion and maintaining a high level of operational excellence to maximise the value of our increased production capacity.”

Alkane’s developments mark a pivotal phase in securing the long-term future of the Tomingley gold mine.

The post It’s a golden transformation appeared first on The Australian Mining Review.